The Consell Advances with Delta Air and United Airlines on US Connection Amid Uncertainty Over Alicante or Valencia Departure

The Generalitat continues its efforts to secure a direct connection between the region and the United States. After successfully linking Montreal with Valencia in the first non-stop flight between the territory and Canada, the regional government is now seeking an air connection with New York.

In this context, a delegation from the Consell met in Atlanta with Delta Air, a leading airline in the United States. Additionally, they held working meetings with United Airlines during their visit to New York and the state of Georgia.

The meeting with Delta Air, led by the regional secretary of Tourism, José Manuel Camarero, analysed the feasibility of establishing this direct flight. It remains unclear whether the flight would operate from Alicante-Elche airport or Manises. In this regard, sources from the Department of Tourism state that they are still working to assess the feasibility of the connection and allocate it to the airport that best suits.

During the meeting, Delta Air expressed interest in the region due to its role as a transport hub, with excellent train connectivity and flights to other European hubs currently facilitating the arrival of North Americans. Furthermore, the number of Americans arriving via layovers to the Mediterranean coast has increased in recent years.

The company has also positively evaluated the presence of American companies and institutions established in the region, as well as the cruise sector and North American shipping companies present in the ports of Alicante and Valencia.

In this regard, Delta Air Lines officials have conveyed that the Valencian Community is a preferred destination within their international expansion plans, especially with the incorporation of new, more efficient and sustainable aircraft, opening a window of opportunity to establish future direct connections with the Valencian Community.

Camarero has positively assessed the meeting between both parties and assures that the meeting is part of the Generalitat's work in the United States, which has already included various meetings. In fact, he noted that, in addition to meetings with Delta Air Lines, "we are also negotiating with other airlines, such as United Airlines, with the aim of achieving a direct connection between the United States and the Valencian Community."